The Fine Art of Tipping – Hotel Style

Remember the great movie Home Alone 2?  Holiday Classic!  Remember the part right after the Bellhop took Kevin’s bags to his ‘chic’ hotel room in NYC?  The Bellhop made a ‘motion’ with his fingers that pretty much meant ‘Give me my tip?’ Classic!  And how much are we suppose to give our Bellhop?

This weekend, I will embark on a trip to the great city of Pittsburgh, PA!  In addition to those of you who will be joining me at Officer Academy (Stephie will be!), but also to those who will be doing travel this summer for work, school, or play; we give you the Fine Art of Tipping – Hotel Style.

Doorman. If the doorman opens the door for you, you do not have to leave a tip.  However, if he hails a cab for you, tip him $1-$4.

Bellhop.  If the bellhop carries your luggage to your room, tip $1 per bag.

Concierge.  (I love the concierge.  These individuals know the city backwards and forwards!)  If a concierge makes you dinner reservations, tip $5.

Room-service. Ask if the gratuity is included.  If not, tip as you would in a restaurant.

The Fine Art of Tipping – Part 4

We love din-din with our friends, family, and sorority sisters. The classy ladies of College Lifestyles know – tipping is always important, even if the service is not up to par.  Why? Because that is what a classy, successful person does.

We have received several positive comments on our ‘tipping’ post, many from waitstaff.  We noticed a consistent response in not only in our comments, but also from some of us here at College Lifestyles working previously (and currently) in the food service industry – people can be, well ‘stingy and mean.’

I can remember like it was yesterday my observation of the worst treatment of waitstaff.  I was at a conference and the ballroom was packed with over 1000 individuals.  My table was directly in the middle of the ballroom.  Lunch began, and yes, it was busy, it was loud, and it was wild.  Our table was one of the last served.  After expressing my thank you to a server, several at our table shot dirty looks to the waitstaff.  I was saddened for the waitstaff, especially after one lady came up to me after everyone left saying, ‘It was a rough day, I’m sorry.’ She obviously felt the ‘dirty eyes’ on her, but felt the need to apologize to me.

Here is our response to ‘tipping less.’

Many things can go wrong in a restaurant – the music is too loud, the wait is a long, a bug is in your soup, a refill on a drink is forgotten, etc.   What to do? Before taking out your dissatisfaction with a tip, discuss the situation with the waitstaff and/or manager.  Discuss in a normal tone of voice and don’t become a Facebook status update (example – Shelly Marie is at a fabulous restaurant and a complete fun vacuum is acting like a jerk with the waitstaff).  If the problem was resolved, tip the proper amount.  If the waitstaff and/or manager give a ‘so-so’ response, then reduce the tip to 10%.  If the problem was not resolved at all, tip 8%.

Lastly, thinking you are hot stuff by leaving only a penny is completely tacky and rude.  Directly go to jail.  Do not collect $200.

The Fine Art of Tipping – Part 3

Thanks to all for giving such positive feedback on this series!  To continue (in the great College Lifestyles fashion), let’s talk about the importance of tipping others.

Do we tip a host (or someone who seats your group)?

Not necessarily.  The exception is if you are a frequent patron to the restaurant and the host/hostess remembers your favorite table.

How about the bartender?  (not just for the 21 and over crowd).

While waiting for a table at a crowded restaurant, and you chose to order a drink (with or without spirits), tip the bartender $1 per drink.

If you eat your meal at the bar, follow the 15% rule.

What about a hibachi chef?

It is such a great time to attend a sushi/hibachi style eatery.  (The last time I went while I was on travel in Savannah!)  While not required, it is nice to extend a ‘side tip’ given directly to the chef.

I attended an event where someone parked my car (valet).

Ah, I was introduced to a valet by the great movie Ferris Beuller!  The rule of thumb is $1 in a smaller cit and $2 in larger cities.  Pay when the car is returned to you.

I am at a piano bar or at a restaurant/event where a jazz ensemble is playing.  Do I tip?

This is a great excuse to watch my favorite movie of all time, Casablanca.

In Casablanca, Rick request Sam (piano player) to play ‘As Time Goes By,’ (he and Isla’s song).  Per each time played, Rick tips Sam.  (I guess you all know that I am a complete softy for a gentleman with manners).  The rule of thumb – when asking a jazz band or piano player to play a song, tip appropriately ($1 or more).  It is considered thoughtful to tip $2 when leaving the bar/restaurant.

The Fine Art of Tipping – Part 2

Just how much are we suppose to tip at a restaurant?  Use this simple guide to ‘Master the Art of Tipping!’

Minimum Standard. The minimum standard of tipping is 15% (bill before tax!).  Please note in New York, San Francisco, Boston, and other major cities, 15-20% is the standard.

Exceptions to the 15% rule include:

Buffet.  Any self-service or buffet 10% is acceptable.

A FABULOUS waitor/waitress.  Examples of fabulous-ness include cleaning up a mess and changing a dish to fit your needs.  Add an extra $2-$5!

When gratuity is already added to the bill.  This usually happens with a table more than 6 individuals.

Table hogging or when you stay at a crowded restaurant for a long time.  Being a table hog can lower receipts for the waitor/waitress.  Adding an extra 10% is appreciated.

Stay tuned to part 3!

The Fine Art of Tipping (Part 1)!

Many of us will be traveling and/or attending conferences this summer!  (I am!)  And I am always amazed that the number of individuals who neglect to tip (shame on you!).  As a result, my future post will be devoted to ‘The Fine Art of Tipping!‘

My dad gave me a very important tip when I started dating ‘If he doesn’t tip the waitress, then dump him!  He will treat you just like he treated that waitress.  Poorly.’

(It’s a shame I didn’t have Facebook, I can envision my status report after a terrible date ‘(Name) refused to tip.  So, I had to.’)

3 Guidelines to Follow:

1. When in doubt, ask.  This is especially true if you are getting your hair done at a hotel for a wedding/event.  Ask the receptionist, since a tip may be included in the final bill.
2. Tip the pre-tax amount on the bill.
3. Don’t show of the $$$.  Tip discreetly.  (No one likes a show off).

Stay tuned for more the restaurant, bar, and travel articles on tipping; as well as ‘My service stinks, should I still leave a tip?’